Beauvoir, the National Cathedral Elementary School

Beauvoir, the National Cathedral Elementary School Beauvoir is a primary school dedicated to educating a diverse student body in a caring and creative environment. www.beauvoirschool.org Mrs.

For more than 80 years, Beauvoir’s beautiful view of learning has provided young students with a dynamic foundation on which to build the rest of their lives. Beauvoir blends a unique history and tradition with constant innovation, creating an environment that respects and challenges young children. Beauvoir was founded in 1933 as a coeducational primary school for students who would move on to on

e of the Cathedral Schools (St. Albans or the National Cathedral School). In 1939, Beauvoir was established as a "separate and independent school in the Cathedral system" by the Cathedral Chapter. Beauvoir's Head of School Elizabeth Glascock Taylor and her faculty were motivated to do more than just instruct through memorization and recitation. Their mission was to make children's education exciting so that their students would be inspired to learn. Taylor’s goal for her students was that they might "learn the joy of work well done." Taylor's influence is still felt by students today: Beauvoir still celebrates hands-on, active experiences; movement in the classroom; the encouragement of classroom discussion; recognition of different learning styles among children; work both individually and in groups; an emphasis on developing community values and individual character; the concept of resources in art studios; science labs, gardens, gymnasiums and performing spaces as places of learning; and above all, the emphasis on joy as the basis for educational innovations and as a central tenet of its mission today. Setting trends in early childhood education is nothing new to Beauvoir. Beauvoir was one of the first elementary schools to introduce a reading readiness and math program for pre-school children. The school created a "World Mindedness" program to teach children about establishing a worldview emphasizing respect for differences with others. In the 1950's, Beauvoir was the first school affiliated with the Cathedral to racially integrate. Finally, Beauvoir has consistently placed a strong emphasis on the importance of faculty professional development, integrating brain research into classroom teaching and prioritizing character education.

Living Beauvoir’s Life Rule of kindness! Over the next few weeks, our Family Fridays will center on service learning. Fo...
04/21/2026

Living Beauvoir’s Life Rule of kindness! Over the next few weeks, our Family Fridays will center on service learning. For our first service learning Family Friday, our kindergartners decorated bags and filled them with baby care products for new mothers in need. Last week, our pre-kindergarteners designed and packed nutritional bags for families in the local community. We can’t wait to see the rest of these exciting projects! 💚

“Subtle changes in how we communicate can initiate a tectonic shift in how children perceive themselves, relate to other...
04/18/2026

“Subtle changes in how we communicate can initiate a tectonic shift in how children perceive themselves, relate to others, and navigate challenges—in the classroom, at home, and beyond.” —Lily Howard Scott, author, educator, and former Beauvoir teacher in her new book The Words That Shape Us. This week we were delighted to welcome Ms. Howard Scott back to Beauvoir to speak with faculty, staff, and parents about her book, the science-based power of language, and the ways words can transform how children view themselves in the world. 💚

Some of the most treasured items for bid at Beauvoir’s annual Scholarship Benefit are the class art projects, lovingly c...
04/17/2026

Some of the most treasured items for bid at Beauvoir’s annual Scholarship Benefit are the class art projects, lovingly crafted with the help of parent volunteers. This year’s masterpieces were inspired by each classroom’s animal-themed name. Prior to the Benefit, Taylor Hall becomes a gallery where families are invited to admire these lovely works of art. 💚

Future leaders in the making—our third graders are learning about government where it happens. They toured the US Capito...
04/17/2026

Future leaders in the making—our third graders are learning about government where it happens. They toured the US Capitol and the White House during their study of the executive and legislative branches of the government. 💚

Braque, Miro, Picasso and more! STEAM Teacher Dan Thorner took our pre-kindergarten students to visit the National Galle...
04/16/2026

Braque, Miro, Picasso and more! STEAM Teacher Dan Thorner took our pre-kindergarten students to visit the National Galley of Art’s East Wing and explore the qualities and styles of each artist. 🖼️

Some of our youngest learners had the wonderful opportunity to visit the United States Botanical and learn more about th...
04/13/2026

Some of our youngest learners had the wonderful opportunity to visit the United States Botanical and learn more about the biodiversity in the United States and its flora and fauna! 🌿🌼

Our pre-k students witnessed intergalactic history this week as STEAM Teacher Mr. Thorner aired the moment when Artemis ...
04/09/2026

Our pre-k students witnessed intergalactic history this week as STEAM Teacher Mr. Thorner aired the moment when Artemis II surpassed Apollo 13’s record for the farthest human space flight! 🚀🌖🌍

Beauvoir’s parent and caregiver affinity groups, launched just last year, continue to bring our community together in me...
04/09/2026

Beauvoir’s parent and caregiver affinity groups, launched just last year, continue to bring our community together in meaningful ways. This morning, nearly 40 parents, grandparents, and caregivers joined Head of School Cindi Gibbs-Wilborn at Woodley House for the Fatherly Figures Affinity Group Breakfast—a warm and joyful start to the day.

This morning for Wednesday Windows, our Beauovir parents had the wonderful opportunity to gather with members of our 202...
04/07/2026

This morning for Wednesday Windows, our Beauovir parents had the wonderful opportunity to gather with members of our 2025-2026 Parent’s Association and learn more about upcoming opportunities to get involved at the School! Thank you to everyone who attended and to the incredible work of our PAEC members. 💚

Chag Pesach Sameach to all who celebrate! The Passover festival celebrates the Israelite’s Exodus from Egypt and their f...
04/07/2026

Chag Pesach Sameach to all who celebrate! The Passover festival celebrates the Israelite’s Exodus from Egypt and their freedom from enslavement. We are so thankful for the heads of the Jewish affinity group, Maddie Frommell and Dan Thorner, for leading a discussion on the story and practices of Passover. 💚

"Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light."—Helen KellerHappy Easter to all who cele...
04/06/2026

"Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light."
—Helen Keller

Happy Easter to all who celebrate this joyful time!

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3500 Woodley Road NW
Washington D.C., DC
20016

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+12025376485

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